Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Parent Visa in Australia
Bringing your parents to live with you in Australia is one of the most meaningful ways to reconnect as a family. However, the Australian Parent Visa system is among the most complex—and competitive—areas of immigration. Processing times can stretch up to 30 years, application fees can exceed $100,000 for a couple, and just one error could mean years of delays.
If you're thinking about sponsoring your parents, here are the top 5 critical mistakes to avoid—and how to approach the process the smart way.
1 Choosing the Wrong Visa Subclass
Australia offers several visa options for parents—but not all are created equal. Some are permanent visas, some are temporary, and each comes with different wait times, costs, and eligibility requirements.
Let’s take a quick look at three popular options:
Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa: Offers permanent residency but comes at a high financial cost and still involves years of waiting.
Subclass 870 – Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa: Allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 10 years (in 3- or 5-year blocks), but does not lead to permanent residency.
Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa: A permanent visa with no upfront contribution but has a wait time of up to 30 years. Only available if the applicant is in Australia and meets the age requirement.
Choosing the wrong visa could lead to unexpected costs, longer separation periods, or even ineligibility. A careful comparison tailored to your parents’ age, health, and your family’s finances is crucial.
2 Ignoring the Balance of Family Test
The Balance of Family Test (BoF Test) is one of the most misunderstood requirements—and one of the most common reasons for refusals. It determines eligibility based on the number of your parents’ children who are permanently residing in Australia.
To pass the BoF Test, your parents must either:
Have at least half of their children living permanently in Australia, or
Have more children in Australia than in any other single country
What catches many families off guard is that children living in other countries (including those temporarily in Australia) still count in the calculation. Even one additional child overseas can tip the balance and lead to a visa refusal.
3 Underestimating the Total Cost
Some parent visas—like the Subclass 143—require a second instalment of nearly $48,000 AUD per applicant. This is in addition to the visa application charge, medical checks, assurance of support, and sometimes private health insurance for temporary visas.
Many families start the process without fully understanding these expenses. If you apply for a contributory visa and aren't financially prepared for the second instalment, your application can be delayed or rejected.
A financial plan that accounts for visa fees, living costs, and bridging strategies is essential.
4 Applying Without a Long-Term Strategy
Too often, families rush to lodge a parent visa without considering how it fits into a long-term plan. Questions to ask include:
Will my parents live in Australia temporarily or permanently?
How old are they now—and how might that affect processing timelines?
Could we use a Subclass 870 temporary visa while waiting for a permanent visa?
Many successful applicants use a step-by-step strategy that combines short-term stay options (like the 870 visa) with long-term goals (like the 143 visa). However, you need to plan this carefully to avoid gaps in visa coverage or breaching visa conditions.
5 Not Seeking Professional Help Early On
Migration law is constantly evolving—and parent visa policy is no exception. In 2025 alone, the Australian Government is reviewing visa processing priorities, costs, and the migration cap. Staying up-to-date is challenging if you’re not actively working in the field.
Even small application mistakes—like uploading outdated documents or selecting the wrong pathway—can cause long delays. Worse, it could lead to a visa refusal, forcing you to start again or lodge an appeal.
That’s why professional advice early in the process is one of the smartest investments you can make. It saves time, money, and stress—especially when it comes to reuniting your family.
Want to Get it Right the First Time?
To help families like yours avoid costly mistakes and make confident decisions, Think Visa is hosting a free live webinar.
Bringing Parents to Australia in 2025: Visa Pathway & Expert Strategies
📅 Wednesday, 18 June 2025
🕑 2:00 PM AEST
🎤 With Michelle Yu, Principal Solicitor and Parent Visa Specialist
Join us to learn:
The differences between Parent Visa subclasses (143, 870, 804, and more)
How to reduce processing times and plan ahead
Visa costs, timelines, and hidden requirements
Real-life case studies and what works in 2025
Live Q&A with an expert solicitor
Seats are limited – Register for free now!
Whether you're just beginning the journey or actively preparing an application, this webinar is your opportunity to ask questions, avoid mistakes, and move forward with confidence.
Because nothing should come between you and the people you love.
